Over the past several months I’ve spoken out against Measure U, which county labor organizations view as harmful to our community.
Consider the question: should you repeal additional funding for law enforcement, code enforcement, emergency response, street maintenance and repair, and other services like Animal Control and Veteran Services?
That depends on what you think you and our county deserves. Do you want to see a safe, clean and growing community? A better staffed and resourced county government in these critical areas? These departments fielded many complaints from you – less staff, less resources led to delays in response and in providing the very services you demanded. It takes time to build staff, shore up resources; time that the supporters of Measure U want to deny you.
I understand the concern over taxes; however, these services are paid for with tax dollars, yours, mine, all of us who work and live here. How else can you have a safe, clean and developing environment? You can’t settle for less and still expect more.
This isn’t only about salaries, which supporters of this Measure want to hang their hats on, making county employees the boogey man. Employees in law enforcement, planning, code enforcement, animal control, emergency services, roads and Veteran services are dedicated professionals.
They are members of this community. They live here, worship here, raise their families here and pay the same taxes you do. They serve this community. That should count for something.
It’s up to you to decide what you think our county deserves. Reduced funding means less in what you demand more of and from an already understaffed workforce.
Do you want to see Del Norte County clean, safe and growing? If so, then support us and vote No on Measure U.
Norma Williams
Chapter President
DNCEA SEIU